GF Machining Solutions has introduced the Spark Track technology for wire EDMs. Spark Track, powered by the company's Intelligent Spark Protection System (ISPS) module, prevents wire breakage that occurs when cutting irregularly shaped workpiece features. With Spark Track technology and the ISPS module, wire EDM users gain secure and uninterrupted EDM processing, improved machining efficiency and ease of use for operators.

The GF Machining Solutions Spark Track technology, which won the 2019 Prodex Award that honors pioneering products, harnesses modern electronics – sensor signal, speed and effectiveness – to constantly monitor the spark distribution along the EDM wire. Based on the spark data gathered, the ISPS analyzes and automatically recognizes shape changes and adapts machining parameters accordingly to prevent wire breakage during roughing. As a result, irregular shapes such as cavities, varying heights, taper surfaces and sharp corners are easily roughed without the need for operator intervention to set up machining conditions in advance.

As a result of the highly secure EDM process enabled by Spark Track, customers can benefit from 100 percent automation, which in turn reduces the cost per part.

Angled part surfaces are a prime example of where Spark Track and the ISPS module bring high efficiency to the wire EDM process. Such tapered surfaces can create non-homogenous flushing conditions at a wire EDM's upper nozzle, disrupting the machining process. The ISPS module eliminates the need for the machine operator to adjust the machining process to accommodate such difficult machining conditions since the technology analyzes the spark distribution data, automatically recognizes the shape change and adjusts the process to increase machining efficiency.